Almost three-quarters (70%) of respondents with depression do not feel supported by their employer, according to research by job vacancy website CV Library.
Its survey of 1,102 employees also found that 74% of respondents do not feel comfortable talking to their manager about mental health issues.
The survey also found:
- Around a quarter (23%) of respondents believe that flexible working can help support mental health issues, 9% believe access to counselling could help, and 7% believe additional time off could be helpful.
- 64% of respondents would not name depression as the reason when calling in sick.
- 42% of respondents with depression feel judged by their coworkers.
- 73% of respondents who are not coping with depression believe there is a negative stigma around depression in the workplace.
Lee Biggins (pictured), founder and managing director of CV Library, said: “A huge proportion of the nation’s professionals are suffering with mental health issues, and it’s concerning to see that attitudes aren’t changing as quickly as they should be.
“What’s more disheartening is the negative stigma attached to depression. This, combined with the prejudices that workers are facing, prevents employees from being honest with their managers. Those with depression often feel marginalised and judged, and it’s worrying that this attitude is still prevalent in the workplace.
“For the UK’s mental health issues to be properly addressed, and for workers with depression to get the support they need, these beliefs need to change.”